Monday, 10 December 2018

YOUR GUIDE TO SURVIVING CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Christmas markets play a huge part in getting me into the festive mood. I love wandering around the stalls, sampling unique flavours of chocolate and getting wasted on luxury hot chocolate aka standard hot chocolate with marshmallows and chocolate shavings. If you plan it right, Christmas markets can be a great outing with family and friends, here are my tips to surviving Christmas markets and making sure you get the most out of your time.

DON'T GO ON OPENING WEEKEND

Under no circumstances should you visit a Christmas market on the opening weekend. I went to Bath for their Christmas markets on opening weekend last month and although we had a nice time, it was rammed and if we had gone on a weekday or the following weekend, it would've been a lot less busy. If you hate kids, go on a weekday. If you work during the week and can't hack a late night, avoid them on the first weekend of December and on or after the 20th.

WEAR APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR

This is self-explanatory. Comfort over fashion, yes though wedges or heeled boots will look cute but when you're stood in a 20-minute queue for a cone of churros, you're going to wish you'd worn a flat shoe or boots with a lower heel. If you're one of those incredible people who can hack heels, ignore all of the above.

PLAN AHEAD

If the Christmas market that you're going to has attractions like Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, book in advance. Don't be one of those people that leaves it until last minute to book tickets to the Ice Bar to find that all the good time slots are gone and all that's left are the 10am slots, avoid disappointment and book at least 2-3 weeks before your visit.

DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE COLD

I know hats can make your head look like a mushroom but save yourself from going home with a cold and wrap up warm. I should practice what I preach, I've been visiting Christmas markets every year since 2014 and not once have I worn a hat, scarf or gloves.

GET A TEMPORARY INSTAGRAM HUSBAND

I wish I was joking. The gram is waiting for those candids of you drinking mulled wine and what the gram wants, the gram gets.